Extra Vegetable Fried Rice
A vibrant and nutritious fried rice dish packed with colorful vegetables and flavor, perfect for weeknight dinners or using up leftover rice.
A Delightful Twist on Fried Rice
Imagine a vibrant bowl of extra vegetable fried rice that bursts with flavors and color. This dish is more than just a side; it’s a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and packed with nutrients. I discovered this recipe during a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet delicious. Not only does it come together in a flash, but it allows for a personal touch with a variety of veggies. Whether you’re looking for a simple family dinner, a side for a festive occasion, or a way to use up leftover rice, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons to whip up this extra vegetable fried rice. Foremost, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for clearing out the fridge or catering to your family’s taste preferences. Kids love the colorful veggies and the savory flavor, making it a hit among both adults and children alike.
- Quick and Easy
- This fried rice recipe takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an efficient choice for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly
- Utilizing leftover rice and an assortment of vegetables, it’s an economical meal that won’t strain your wallet.
- Customizable
- Add any veggies you have on hand or swap out ingredients for a unique twist. You could even turn it into a vegan dish by omitting eggs and adding tofu.
- Nutritious
- By packing in the vegetables, you’re serving up a dish rich in vitamins and minerals without sacrificing flavor.
Step-by-Step Overview
Making this extra vegetable fried rice is a straightforward process. In essence, you’ll prepare the eggs and vegetables separately before combining them with cooked rice and a few pantry staples. Here’s a high-level view of what to expect:
- Scramble eggs and set them aside.
- Sauté your onions, carrots, and any other vegetables.
- Stir in garlic and ginger for flavor.
- Combine everything with the cooked rice and season to taste.
Now, let’s dive into the details!
Gather These Items
To whip up this delightful fried rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1½ teaspoons + 2 tablespoons avocado oil or safflower oil, divided
- 2 eggs, whisked together
- 1 small white onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
- 2 cups additional veggies of your choice (like snow peas, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, bell pepper, and/or fresh or frozen peas)
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
- 1 tablespoon grated or finely minced fresh ginger
- 2 large cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (*see notes)
- 1 cup greens (optional) — think spinach, baby kale, or tatsoi
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Chili-garlic sauce or sriracha, for serving (optional)
Feel free to mix in whatever vegetables you like or have available!
Directions to Follow
Follow these steps to create your extra vegetable fried rice, ensuring a satisfying dish every time:
Prep Ingredients: Before you start cooking, have everything chopped and within reach. An empty bowl nearby for the cooked eggs and veggies will make things smoother.
Cook Eggs: In a large cast iron or stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat, add 1½ teaspoons of oil. Swirl to coat the pan and then pour in the whisked eggs. Cook until just set, stirring occasionally. Transfer the eggs to your bowl and wipe out the pan.
Sauté Onions and Carrots: Return the pan to heat, adding 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the onions and carrots; cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onions become translucent.
Add More Veggies: Carefully incorporate your remaining veggies and salt, cooking until they soften and start to turn golden (approximately another 3 to 5 minutes). As they cook, break the scrambled eggs into smaller pieces with your spatula.
Flavorful Aromatics: Once the vegetables are ready, shift them to the bowl with eggs. Reheat the pan, add another tablespoon of oil, and mix in the ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, roughly 30 seconds.
Mix in Rice: Add the cooked brown rice to the pan, stirring everything together. Continue cooking until the rice is heated through and beginning to color, around 3 to 5 minutes.
Finishing Touches: Add the greens and chopped green onions, combining thoroughly. Finally, stir in the tamari and sesame oil, adjusting flavors with more tamari or salt if desired.
Serve: Scoop the fried rice into bowls and serve hot. For added kick, serve with chili-garlic sauce or sriracha on the side.
01Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
02Method
- Preparation
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0 OF 8 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01If you find that you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or freeze portions for up to a month. To enjoy again, heat in a stovetop skillet until warmed through or in the microwave. To elevate your fried rice experience, consider using day-old rice, not stirring too much while cooking for caramelization, and garnishing with fresh herbs or lime juice.
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Best Ways to Enjoy It
This extra vegetable fried rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- As a Standalone Dish
- Serve it hot right out of the pan for a comforting meal.
- With Protein
- Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete dinner.
- As a Meal Prep Option
- Pack it into containers for a week’s worth of lunches, adding a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor when reheating.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find that you have leftovers (which is often the case with this delectable fried rice), here’s how to store them wisely:
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze portions for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to eat, simply heat in a stovetop skillet until warmed through or in the microwave.
Creative Twists
Once you’ve mastered this classic fried rice, feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Different Grains
- Swap out brown rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or another gluten-free grain for a twist.
- Protein Boost
- Add in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or scrambled tofu to enhance the protein content.
- Flavor Profiles
- Experiment with different sauces like oyster sauce or a curry paste for a unique flavor.
Common Questions
Can I use leftover rice?
Absolutely! In fact, day-old rice works best for fried rice dishes since it’s drier and less likely to clump.
What are good vegetable substitutions?
Feel free to use any quick-cooking veggies you like! Bell peppers, zucchini, and snap peas are all great options that add color and crunch.
How can I make it vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply omit the eggs and consider adding tofu or tempeh for protein, and ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly.
Enjoy making this flavorful Extra Vegetable Fried Rice tonight! Your taste buds are in for a treat.
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